KARACHI: “The seed and idea of literature festivals caught on and spread like wildfire in a forest where it seems that a fuel of parched trees was waiting for it”. These thoughts were expressed by Ameena Saiyid OBE, SI, Chevalier des Ordres des Arts et des Lettres, Founder and Director Adab Festival Pakistan, at the closing ceremony of first Adab …

DUBAI: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has obtained international certification of its governance standards in accountability & monitoring, rendering them compatible with the highest international audit standards. The certificate has been awarded by the UK-based American PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC); an internal audit specialist of government entities. HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of …

KARACHI: With a three year global theme “IAmAndIWill” announced by the Union of International Cancer Control world cancer day is begin celebrated across the globe on Monday (today) urging all communities and stakeholders to make personal commitment towards its prevention and bringing down the numbers. Health experts have identified oral cancer in men and breast cancer in women as commonest …

DUBAI: Dubai World Central (DWC) welcomed a total of 900,000 passengers in 2018 (-0.5%) following a surge in customer numbers in Q3 (+26.1%) and moderate growth in Q4 (+3%) last year, thanks to the launch of new services from scheduled and charter carriers during the second half of the year. Top destinations The top regions contributing to growth in traffic …

DUBAI: A major contract to complete 29,000 sqm of public spaces at Expo 2020 Dubai – worth AED 169 million – has been awarded to a UAE-based contractor, reinforcing the World Expo’s commitment to support Emirati companies and create a long-term positive impact on the country’s economy. Arabtec Construction has secured the contract, which includes a 5,000 sqm water feature, restaurants, utilities and …

KUWAIT CITY: Copthorne Kuwait City Hotel has won 8 awards in the Hospitality Salon Culinaire competition held during the 8th edition of Horeca Kuwait 2019 exhibition from 14th -16th January 2019. The contest among Kuwait’s leading hotel and restaurant chefs lasted for three days and included a variety of activities such as live cooking competitions that ranged from appetizers, desserts, hot and cold beverage …

DUBAI: Luxury residential and hospitality property developer Seven Tides has confirmed Barceló Hotel Group as the new operator of its five-star DUKES Dubai, located on the west trunk of Palm Jumeirah. The hotel will be rebranded DUKES Dubai – A Royal Hideaway Hotel and will become the first property in the region under the Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts …

DUBAI: Leading companies in the UAE have announced new partnerships with several startups that were selected as part of the third cycle of Dubai Startup Hub’s Market Access programme. During a ceremony held recently at Dubai Chamber’s premises, Emirates Post Group announced its intention to work with Safe Driving Network on a pilot project testing the startup’s Drivers Network solution …

By Rafiq Vayani KARACHI: Salt Arts first show for 2019 was sponsored by Chapter 2 – Khaadi on 30th Jan19 in Côte Rôtie at Alliance française de Karachi.  Singer and songwriter, Zoe Viccaji returned to Salt Arts after 3 long years with a power-packed performance followed by artists such as Ajay Wilson, Shane Kerr, Joshua Keyth Benjamin and Abid Wilson. …

DUBAI: WTS Global, a global network of specialised non-audit tax firms with representation in over 100 countries, for the first time convened its board meeting in Dubai recently with the aim to further strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Africa. One of the board resolutions amongst others was to further continue on the path to becoming the “pre-eminent …